Neal Gladstone

Home: Corvallis, OR USA

Known for clever, original lyrics and a surprising variety of music styles, Neal Gladstone has developed an enthusiastic following in Pacific Northwest. Long-time fans return to Gladstone's concerts year after year to join the fun. Gladstone and his six-piece band have produced five CDs of satire, ballads, and rockers on subjects ranging from the joys of oatmeal, to the absurdities of politics, to the intricate battle of the sexes.

No subject, however strange or mundane, escapes his consideration. A thinking person's songwriter, Gladstone surprises his listeners with unexpected rhymes and melodies, and can turn the most ordinary subject into hilarious satire. Gladstone is also known for his weekly radio show, featuring his original music and comedy, that ran on Oregon Public Broadcasting radio, KLCC, and KUOW in Seattle. His music has been featured on NPR's 'All Things Considered' and 'Car Talk.'

You know the guy you can’t get rid of? Who won’t take a hint? Darkly humorous, Gladstone’s acerbic wit reveals what it feels like to be unwanted, disrespected, and left out. “Adhesive Steve, the guest who wouldn’t leave” is a character everyone recognizes, feels sorry for, and tries to avoid being. Mixed Vocals, Comedy, Comedy Music

Haunting account of the experience of falling asleep. Walks the edge between beautiful and creepy. Rich and compelling melody. Male vocal, piano and rich orchestral strings. “I close my eyes and make my reservation / For passage to and unknown destination.”, Male Vocals, Dangerous, Mysterious Music

Male vocal performs a rhythmic a capella vocal braid in sounds, not words. Inspired by Bobby McFerrin. One deep male voice introduces the theme, then one by one male voices layer in contrasting, playful rhythms. A Capella, Dramatic, Whimsical Music

A young woman falls under the spell of a dark angel in exchange for relief from the pain of heartbreak A bleak psychological journey back from the depths of despair. “The color cooled the pain in me and so I followed willingly deep into her spell.” Female vocal with haunting piano and strings. Female Vocals, Pop, Pop Ballad

Silly novelty song about a trip to the landfill with varying vocal styles, starts out with a slight whispering sound, then goes into full vocal mode. Story involves around a minor protest the singer hopes to turn into a major news media event. Musically adventurous, varying instruments and styles. Male Vocals, Comedy, Comedy Music

A pseudo-tragic lament about losing one’s hair by master parodist Neal Gladstone. Confessing his neglect, he begs his vanishing hair to return, promising “if you’ll forgive me and come back to stay, I’ll brush you and stroke you til you’re old and gray.” Hilarious and moving at the same time! Male Vocals, Comedy, Comedy Music

Hilarious, tongue-in-cheek Cabaret song warning about the need for "protection". Very much in the style of the famous "Jonathan and Darlene" comedy albums recorded by Jo Stafford and Paul Weston in the 1960s. Female Vocals, Comedy, Comedy Music

A ceremony in itself, this melodic vocal offers a blessing to the celebrating couple as their loved ones “bear witness to your vow.” A mature solo voice with simple accompaniment sings “as you tie your dreams together with a simple band of gold, we wish you all the joy your hearts can hold." Female Vocals, Themes, Wedding Music